## The Real Cost of a Small Business Website
If you're a small business owner looking for a website, you've probably seen prices ranging from $0 (DIY builders) to $50,000+ (agencies). So what should you actually pay?
## Website Pricing Tiers in 2026
### DIY Website Builders ($0-$30/month)
Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and GoDaddy let you build your own site.
**Pros:**
- Lowest cost
- Full control over timeline
- No technical knowledge needed
**Cons:**
- Time-consuming (20-40+ hours)
- Limited customization
- Often looks templated
- SEO limitations
- You're on your own for support
**Best for:** Hobby projects, personal blogs, or businesses with zero budget.
### Budget Web Developers ($250-$1,000)
Freelancers or small agencies offering basic websites.
**What you get:**
- 1-8 page professional website
- Mobile-responsive design
- Contact form
- Basic SEO setup
- 1-3 week delivery
**Best for:** Small businesses needing a professional online presence without breaking the bank.
### Mid-Range Development ($1,000-$5,000)
More established agencies with additional services.
**What you get:**
- 10-20 page website
- Custom design work
- Advanced functionality
- E-commerce capabilities
- Content management system
- SEO optimization
- Ongoing support options
**Best for:** Growing businesses ready to invest in their online presence.
### Premium Development ($5,000-$25,000+)
Full-service agencies with comprehensive offerings.
**What you get:**
- Fully custom design
- Complex functionality
- Integrations with business systems
- Advanced e-commerce
- Marketing strategy
- Ongoing maintenance
**Best for:** Established businesses with specific requirements and budget to match.
## What Affects Website Cost?
### 1. Number of Pages
More pages = more work = higher cost. A 5-page site costs less than a 20-page site.
### 2. Design Complexity
Template-based designs are cheaper than fully custom designs.
### 3. Functionality
Contact forms are simple. E-commerce, booking systems, or member portals add complexity.
### 4. Content Creation
Providing your own content saves money. Professional copywriting and photography add cost.
### 5. Timeline
Rush jobs cost more. Standard timelines are more affordable.
### 6. Ongoing Support
One-time builds are cheaper upfront but consider ongoing maintenance needs.
## What You Should Actually Pay
For most small businesses, here's our recommendation:
- **Just starting out, minimal budget**: $250-$500 for a 1-5 page site
- **Established small business**: $750-$2,000 for a full-featured site
- **Growing business with specific needs**: $2,000-$5,000 for custom work
- **E-commerce business**: $1,500-$10,000 depending on product count
## Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid developers who:
- Can't show previous work
- Won't provide a clear quote
- Charge by the hour without estimates
- Don't mention mobile responsiveness
- Skip talking about SEO
- Have no review or testimonials
## Getting the Best Value
1. **Know what you need** before getting quotes
2. **Get 3-5 quotes** to understand fair pricing
3. **Ask about everything included** (hosting, domain, support)
4. **Check their portfolio** for quality and style fit
5. **Read reviews** from previous clients
6. **Understand ongoing costs** (hosting, maintenance, updates)
## Our Approach at TranzDigital
We believe professional websites should be accessible to all small businesses. That's why we offer:
- **Starter websites from $250** - Perfect for getting online quickly
- **Business websites from $750** - Full-featured sites for growing businesses
- **Professional websites from $1,500** - Custom solutions with e-commerce
Every website includes mobile responsiveness, SEO optimization, and dedicated support.
[See Our Website Packages](/website-development)
